August 2024 Newsletter

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.” ~ Chuang Tzu

Editorial 

Dear Dawn to Dusk Community,

I’m happy to report that we have completed the interior fit-out of our GAP (Graduate Adjustment Period) program. For those who don’t know, GAP is a new transition program that we are launching in September. After receiving feedback from parents of individuals graduating in June 2024, we decided to create a program to help the recent graduates to better transition into the adult world. While I originally hoped to launch it on July 1st, my team persuaded me to wait until September 3rd (the day after Labor Day) for a more effective start. And that’s exactly what we are doing.

Our GAP program will operate in a smaller setting with smaller group sizes and a total of no more than 16 participants. The program will offer more structure than our regular day program but will not be as rigid as the school system. Now that we have finished the interior work (see pictures below), we will begin furnishing the space and setting it up throughout August (furnished space pictures coming next month). It’s been a pleasure to work on this and other initiatives to serve our unique community. I also want to thank our families and other stakeholders for their belief and trust in us.

Wishing you good health and wellbeing always. 

~Sesh Subramanian

Life Skills and Growing Independence

Household Chores: 

In July, the participants revisited their lockers for a locker clean-out activity. The participants spent time going through the items in their lockers and making sure that the locker contained only the items needed for the program day, sorted any items they needed to take home, tossed out any trash that may have accumulated, and put away any items that belong somewhere else in the program. The participants then dusted and sanitized the inside and outside of their locker, and put away the items that belonged inside. The participants also looked for ways to ensure that the program floor was being maintained, and have been helping take over some responsibility of cleaning their tables and chairs, refilling paper towels in the main program space when they were running low, and ensuring that games and puzzles were put away in the correct place. In helping the participants to maintain their belongings and the environment in which they engage in our program, we aim to build their sense of personal responsibility and increase their independence in the physical completion of these tasks, as well as their own sense of responsibility and attention to ensuring that their environment is safe, comfortable, and yields itself to further learning and engagement.

Self Expression Through Creativity

Creative Writing and Art

During the Creative Writing Session this month, participants delved into the history of the Declaration of Independence. Following this, they were tasked with crafting their own document known as the Declaration of Dawn to Dusk. This exercise asked them to outline the core principles and guidelines for conduct and attitude for the Dawn to Dusk community, requiring each participant to consider what it means to be a good member of our community. The session sparked a vibrant discussion, during which the participants and staff explored what it means to be a good friend, how each member of our program has a unique gift to offer, and how we can celebrate the similarities and differences that make each and every member of the Dawn to Dusk community unique! Through exercises like this, the participants practice not only self expression based on their own point of view, but also explore what might be important from a friend’s point of view as well. Exchanging ideas and consideration of matters outside oneself is a skill that not only lends itself to further understanding of oneself, but helps us all to better understand each other and strengthen our bonds within the program and the greater Dawn to Dusk community. The participants also continued to work on creative art projects and sensory materials like stretchy sand and air dry clay.

Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing

We are proud to offer Dawn to Dusk's Health Matters program at our center, which is led by our experienced Nurse Mike. The program focuses on helping individuals improve their overall health and wellness by incorporating full body motion paired with mindful and intentional movements. This month saw the participants following along with Thai Chi and Yoga flows to promote the mind-body connection, as well as compound movements during aerobic exercise including squats, lunges, and boxing movements that work the entire body and large muscle groups.

Our adaptive exercise sessions were very popular in July as more participants sought ways to stay active while also trying to beat the heat. Led by our wonderful activities assistants, the participants of these sessions engaged in various chair aerobics and mindful stretching focused on building the mind-body connection through intentional movements. These sessions were followed by a period of meditation geared toward building a positive mindset, and included positive affirmations to facilitate the development of a strong mind and self concept for all who joined in the activity. At Dawn to Dusk we are constantly seeking to grow not only our skills and physical abilities, but to build a growth-mindset and ensure that we are not only physically healthy, but mentally healthy as well. 

Many of our participants continue with the swim program as well at Apex Swim Club. 

Leisure and Recreation

In the July sessions of the Nature Club, participants learned about one of our most crucial natural resources: trees! After looking at pictures of the different trees native to New Jersey, the participants engaged in a guided discussion about the characteristics that make each species of tree different from the others. Participants in Nature Club eagerly shared their thoughts and observations for each tree, making a game of spotting the difference between each tree discussed. After the discussion, the participants split into teams to play a tree-themed matching game. This game helped to reinforce what they had discussed during the lesson and provided a fun way to check their understanding of the lesson topic, and provided opportunities for collaborative work and self-expression of ideas and observations for the entire group. 

Community Corner

Community Outings: 

In July, the scorching hot weather forced us to take our park outings indoors. Our plans for leisurely strolls to Thompson Park, Sayen House & Gardens, and North Brunswick Community Park turned into quick dashes from the car to air-conditioned buildings. It's amazing how nature can humble us with its relentless heat!

To beat the heat, we found ourselves seeking refuge in malls like Woodbridge Mall and Quakerbridge Mall, trying to stay cool while also doing some retail therapy. We even turned a trip to ShopRite into a scavenger hunt for supplies for our "What's Cooking" class. It's a good thing we have a knack for turning everyday errands into adventures! 

Lunch Outings: 

Going out for lunch with friends is always a highlight for the participants at Dawn to Dusk. In July, we added a new restaurant to our lineup and visited Cappricio's Pizza. The menu planning sessions continued to be beneficial, helping the participants make delicious choices and manage their finances for lunch orders. We also had a great time at Olive Garden, Nanami Sushi, and Wendy's. The menu planning process has definitely contributed to the growing independence of the participants during our lunch outings. Looking forward to more exciting adventures in the coming months!

Sweet William & Thyme: 

Each month, two small groups of participants sign up to attend a floral arrangement activity with our friends at the Sweet William & Thyme flower shop. In July, the participants in this activity enjoyed not only the olfactory and tactile sensory experience of working with flowers, but also explored greenery and other plants to great beautiful indoor mini gardens. The arrangements were beautiful and such fun to make, and many of the participants were excited to be able to purchase their arrangements to take home. We look forward to being able to provide these engaging and sensory stimulating opportunities to participants next month!

Regal Cinemas: 

One of the highlights was our special outing to Regal Cinemas, where we enjoyed a nice, cool movie in their comfortable, air-conditioned theater with those amazing reclining chairs. What a treat it was to escape the heat and relax with some popcorn and a great film! 

Talent Show: 

Every July, Dawn to Dusk participants have eagerly looked forward to showcasing their talents in our Dawn to Dusk Talent Show, and this year was no exception! From dance routines, to musical performances, original poetry, and informational presentations, the participants took turns acting as audience members and performers during this two day talent event! All month the participants practiced their performances and worked with staff and peers to fine-tune their routines, working all the way up until the big day(s) to take advantage of the opportunity to show off their stuff on the big stage of our auditorium in front of all their friends and staff members! We always enjoy this event and it is such a treat to watch the participants take center stage to perform original acts, as well as to see everyone cheer each other on from the audience. We are so proud of all the performers and audience members, and cannot overstate how truly blessed we are to have such a wonderful supportive community of people here at Dawn to Dusk!

If you have any questions or suggestions about the Day Program, please contact Emily at: emily@dawntoduskwellbeing.com          

Photo Gallery

Enjoy some special moments and smiles in our photo gallery here.